Main content

Our story

WOW from the start!

WOW air is a happy low-fare, long-haul airline based in Iceland. The airline was founded in November 2011 and serves 38 destinations across Europe, North America, and Asia. WOW air is committed to providing the cheapest flights to and from Iceland and across the Atlantic and providing a memorable service all the way.

WOW history

WOW air was founded by entrepreneur Skúli Mogensen, whose extensive business background is largely in technology and telecoms in Iceland, Europe, and North America. WOW air is entirely owned by Mogensen, who sits on the board of many tech companies both in North America and Europe. Mogensen was selected Business Man of the Year in Iceland, in 2011 and 2016.

WOW air's inaugural flight was to Paris on May 31st, 2012 and in October that same year WOW air took over the flight operations of Iceland Express. Only a year later, in October 2013 WOW air was awarded the Air Operator‘s Certificate (AOC) by the Icelandic Transport Authority.

WOW guests

WOW air has grown rapidly since its inaugural flight in 2012. The airline carried over 400.000 guests in 2013 and was the most punctual airline in Iceland that year. WOW air reached an important milestone in December 2014 when the airline carried its one millionth guest. It is estimated that WOW air's annual passenger capacity will grow from approximately 1.6 million in 2016 to over 3 million in 2017.

WOW people

WOW air currently employs around 1,100 talented and hard working people. Most of them have extensive experience in the tourism and airline industry. Whether it's overseeing flight operations, helping customers over the phone, or keeping our guests safe on board, there is a seasoned professional taking care of things.

WOW aircraft

WOW air operates three Airbus A320 aircraft, eleven Airbus A321 and three Airbus A330. The A320 is the choice of many of the world's leading airlines and a perfect fit for our short haul flights between Europe and Iceland. For WOW air's flights to North America, the airline operates the Airbus A321, the largest member of the Airbus A320 Family. WOW air's California routes are serviced by three Airbus A330 aircraft, the first wide-body jets in the WOW air fleet. We are proud to operate the youngest fleet in Iceland with the lowest emission. Meet the fleet.